Charters in Ind. Alleged to Turn Away Disabled

The superintendent of Indiana’s largest school district has requested a state investigation into allegations that charter schools are violating federal and state laws by turning away students who are homeless or have disabilities.

Indianapolis Superintendent Eugene G. White called for a probe of enrollment practices at all charter schools operating within his district’s boundaries, and at 10 of those schools in particular.

He alleges that they enroll students at the start of a year “only to put them out of school immediately after” the state’s count date for determining funding for public schools. Mr. White said 72 students had returned to district schools since the September count date, including five who were homeless and six with special education needs.

Indiana Public Charter Schools Association President Russ Simnick called the claim “a tired myth.” The state education department said it would review the superintendent’s complaint.

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